Model changes 7 years ago?

[willf]

Hi guys

Sorry for basic questions, I'm quite new to SVs.

I read on another forum (US one I think) that SVs after 2008 had much better MPG - the figures don't make sense because they were in US gallons, but is there any truth to this? Was there a significant change?

I'm narrowing down my search to a naked pointy I think (if in budget), just checking they're all much of a muchness or whether I should be going for a specific model.

Many thanks

Will

[Corny Gizmo]

I believe the change was made to the K7 (2007) models, they now have 2 spark plugs per cylinder to make them more efficient etc. They definitely have better mpg, by how much I dont know.

[jambo]

The 2nd plug was added for emissions to get a more complete burn and reduce unburned hydrocarbons that stopped the old bike getting through Euro3.

While some people reckon this has helped fuel economy I doubt it'll made a dramatic difference to any given individual. A lot of the time apples and oranges get compared, I do over 45mpg on an old carby SV60 through London commute, others seem to be able to get much more or less from the same bike.

Check out Fuelly (http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/suzuki/sv650s) for a rough idea, but bear in mind how many contributers there are for each year, if there are only 3 contributors and they all do long distance trips then that'll skew it. There have been no significant changes between 2007 & 2014, and yet the figures are different for each year.

My worst on my carby SV was about 29mpg, best was about 56mpg

Jambo

[jambo]

One thing I would be aware of if planning to keep the bike long term in London, however, is TFL's planned ultra low emission zone (https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/environment/ultra-low-emission-zone) which would penalise pre '07 bikes. This has not been formalised yet and may not come into force as drafted at present, but it's worth bearing in mind.

Jambo

[willf]

Thanks guys! So helpful.

Good call Jambo, I've seen this but it didn't register. I used to have a 2 stroke vespa PX and that smelled great, but would be the very first casualty of an emissions clampdown!